Lots of good ideas floating around here - my original post wasn't meant to knock full timing! In fact, we've seriously considered it or something closer to it.
Our townhome (HOA) has no outside maintenance. We can lock up and go. The neighbor collects our mail and checks inside as needed. I just installed a freeze alarm (MN). The townhome costs $20/day for association fee, real estate tax, insurance and all utilities. It's actually cheaper than camping LOL
As far as depreciation/appreciation, we're even $ on the townhome. The market has recovered from the depressed levels of '08 but it's certainly not been a great investment. It's a roof over our heads, a place to store "stuff" and at some point a piggy bank if we run out of assets later in life.
